IV. Do’s and Don’ts
Meeting People:
Do
Don’t
During the first few encounters,
 Do not call people by their first
name until you are asked to.
Married Chinese women in
 Do not use a woman’s
husband’s surname in combination
with her own first name. However,
you may address her as Mrs.
(husband’s surname).
When you first meet or depart
 There is no need to bow. Do
not embrace, hug or kiss Chinese
people unless you have developed
a close relationship with them.
Hand over your business card
 Do not put a card away
carelessly after receiving it.
always use family names with Mr.
or Ms. When meeting with officials,
use their titles such as President,
Director, Manager etc.
China still keep their maiden
surname.
a brief handshake and smile will
suffice.
with both hands, starting with
individuals of the highest rank.
Feel free to discuss a variety of
topics. Be polite and show respect.
Handbook for the 2008 Olympic Games
17
At the Dinner Table:
Do
Don’t
Dishes are always meant to be
 Do not keep a dish of food for
yourself unless it is individually
served.
Do ask for knifes and forks if
 Do not stick chopsticks upright
in a rice bowl as this symbolizes
serving the dead.
Use chopsticks quietly.
 Do not tap on your bowl with
chopsticks.
The traditional Chinese toast
 In a social situation, only
drink after toasting or after being
toasted.
It is acceptable to pick up your
 Do not feel embarrassed when
other people are doing so.
Drink bottled or boiled water.
 Tap water is NOT drinkable.
This applies for the whole of
China.
shared.
you don’t want to use chopsticks.
When not using chopsticks, lay
them beside your dish.
is to hold up your glass with both
hands and invite your friend to
drink. The other person also holds
up his or her glass with both hands
and keeps eye contact. Both
people drink at the same time.
bowl and hold it under your chin
when you eat.
18 The Confucius Institute in Quebec
Gifts:
Do
Don’t
Do consult before buying
 Do not buy white flowers (such
as Chrysanthemums) unless for a
funeral.
Do write in blue or black ink for
 Do not write in red ink as
this symbolizes the ending of a
relationship.
Do insist when giving gifts to
 Chinese people usually do not
accept gifts immediately in order to
show their modesty.
Do bring small gifts or presents
 Do not go empty handed. If
someone gives you a present, it’s
best not to open it in front of them,
or to ask before opening.
Do consult when choosing a gift.
 Do not give a clock as a
gift (watches are OK). The
pronunciation of clock in Chinese
sounds like “end of life”.
flowers.
cards or letters.
Chinese people, even after they
have refused.
when visiting friends.
Handbook for the 2008 Olympic Games
19
Getting Around :
Do
Don’t
Do remember to bring water
 Do not buy food or drinks from
small street vendors. Do not talk
to strangers who wish to sell
something or exchange money.
Always watch for traffic. When
 Do not be careless on the
street. Chinese drivers don’t give
courtesy to pedestrians.
When staying in a hotel, always
 Do not go out without knowing
the details of your accommodation.
Do not leave taxis without checking
your belongings.
with you when you go out, as
well as tissues in case there is no
toilet paper (as is the case in most
public toilets.)
you take public transportation,
keep an eye on your personal
belongings.
carry the hotel contact card with
map, phone numbers etc. with you.
DO have this booklet with you all the time!
20 The Confucius Institute in Quebec